BISD's Jessie Haynes returns to work after conviction

Updated 4:32 pm, Wednesday, May 28, 2014

While most Beaumont ISD students and staff are preparing for the end of another school year after nine months of work, one employee is just now back to work after being on leave since August.

Jessie Haynes, the district's special assistant to the superintendent, returned to work Wednesday.

Haynes has been on paid assault leave since an August incident at the administration building that lead to her being charged with blocking a public passageway. She was convicted of the misdemeanor charge last week.

Haynes was sentenced to two years probation, a $2,000 fine and 100 hours of community service. She must also take anger management, impulse control and behavior modification classes.

Thomas Swanson, Haynes' trial attorney, said he intends to appeal the verdict.

With the trial over, Haynes returned to her regular job duties this week.

She did not return calls, emails or text messages seeking comment.

Superintendent Timothy Chargois placed Haynes on paid assault leave following an altercation with board member Mike Neil. Haynes, who was accused of preventing a reporter from taking part in a press conference following a board meeting, claimed Neil shoved her as he tried to open a door behind her.

Her claims were not supported by district surveillance footage or testimony presented during her four-day trial.

Haynes remained on assault leave for eight months at her annual salary of $101,600.

She also filed a workers compensation claim, but it was denied. After the assault leave was exhausted, Haynes used sick time during her absence from the district.

Haynes' contract with the district was renewed in March. Her misdemeanor conviction is not grounds for termination, according to district policy.